Finally, it’s the long-awaited Winter break at LSE – a welcome opportunity to recharge, as well as a crucial time for staying on top of studies, especially with the January exams and deadlines just around the corner. The challenging part is striking a balance between being productive and actually giving yourself a break. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated, manage stress, and still have a restful break.
1. Set achievable goals
To keep up the drive during the break, know what you aim to get done and split it into tinier tasks. Instead of just planning “study for exams,” choose clear goals like “go over chapters 1-3 of Economics” or “finish two essay drafts”. When you tick off the tasks on your to-do lists, you will get a sense of accomplishment which keeps you motivated!
2. Create a flexible study schedule
A study schedule is essential, but so is flexibility. For example, as a morning person, I try to tackle more challenging tasks early in the day and reserve the evenings for lighter work or relaxation. But once I start feeling tired or my focus is slipping, I will take a pause. And you can do that too, just step away for a bit – whether it’s for a quick walk around your accommodation, a nap, or just eating some snacks.
There’s no need to force yourself to follow the schedule exactly. The idea is to study efficiently when you’re able to and take care of yourself when you’re not.
3. Take regular breaks
It can be tempting to push through long study sessions, but you know what, research shows that taking regular breaks actually helps us stay focused and productive. I would encourage you to try the Pomodoro Technique – study for 25 minutes, then take a quick 5-minute break. It works wonders for me! During the short breaks, I will step away from my desk to take a walk, stretch, or enjoy a cup of tea. These little moments of self-care have really helped me stay fresh and productive throughout my study sessions.
4. Focus on quality, not quantity
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to study for hours on end, but longer isn’t always better. At college, I spent a lot of time studying without really absorbing what I was reading, and it left me feeling exhausted and unmotivated. Now, I focus on the quality of my study sessions rather than the quantity.
Using the Pomodoro Technique, I study in short, focused bursts, ensuring I fully absorb what I’ve learned before moving on. This approach has not only reduced the number of hours I spend studying, but it has also helped me understand the knowledge much better. The key here is to study smarter, not harder.
5. Celebrate small wins
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements. Whether it’s completing a chapter, submitting an assignment, or simply sticking to your study schedule, take time to acknowledge your progress. For me, celebrating doesn’t always have to be something grand. It could be as simple as treating myself to my favourite chocolate bar, watching an episode of a show I’ve been enjoying, or chatting with a friend. These small wins will build momentum and keep you motivated for the tasks ahead!
Enjoy your break and keep moving forward
The Winter break is all about balance. Yes, it’s the perfect time to reflect, relax and recharge, but it’s also a chance to catch up your studies and set yourself up for success in the New Year. So, don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect – just focus on the small steps and reward your progress along the way.
Remember, it’s okay to take breaks when you need them, adjust your plans as you go, and recharge when things feel overwhelming. Keep up the hard work, and make this break a productive and fulfilling one!
